Independence Day celebration in Calbayog

The City of Calbayog joined the nation in celebrating the 111th Philippine Independence Day last Friday, June 12, 2009. Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento led the City Officials and the Department Managers from various government and private offices in the City.

The day's events included a Thanksgiving Mass which started promptly at the 6:30 am at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. The said mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Iluminado Paulino.

The second activity was the Flag-raising Ceremony in front of the City Hall. Speeches were delivered by Mayor Sarmiento, Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino and Ms. Cleta Omega, TESDA-Samar Provincial Director. Ms. Omega was on hand for the turn-over of PGMA scholarship grants for approximately 75 grantees who will undergo various courses at TTMIST and STI.

The day's events was capped by a Wreath-Laying ceremony at the Nijaga Park.

Here are some photos taken during the celebration.

The Iskolar grantees as they led the singing of "Calbayog". Onstage with Mayor Mel Sarmiento (5th from the left) are (l-r) Ms. Cleta Omega, DepEd Calbayog SDS Edita Paculan, TTMIST President Socorro Bohol, Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino, and Councilors Julius Mancol, Ina Rabuya, Ver Porlares, Noel Sermense, Sonny Salurio and Charlie Boy Coñejos.

Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino delivering his Welcome Message.

Ms. Cleta Omega explaining the PGMA Scholarship Program.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento as he delivered his Independence Day message.

Awarding of scholarship grants. (r-l) Mayor Mel Sarmiento, Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino, Dr. Socorro Bohol and Ms. Cleta Omega.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento after he laid a wreath at the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal.

(Photos courtesy of the CTIO)